Countertop Trends:The Quartz Invasion

by Vancouver Sun

Quartz countertops are the new worry-free, elegant alternative to high-maintenance granite. They are stronger than granite, require no resealing, are highly resistant to scratches and stains, and come in a huge variety of colours.

You've seen and felt it in homes across the country, in your local trendy coffee shops, in banks, high end restaurants, spas, salons and hotels. Quartz surfaces have been used in upscale homes around the world for more than 15 years but have more recently entered the North American market in grandiose fashion.

Thanks to increased manufacturer product development, quartz premium countertops are in high demand as a must-have in new and remodeled homes and businesses throughout the country.

According to the recent Freedonia Group Report on countertop industry trends, there has been a definite shift in the marketplace over the last few years as quartz has become the fastest growing market segment in the industry with 13 per cent growth compared to granite's five per cent.

Quartz has become the elegant answer for those who love the look of granite but are concerned about its drawbacks. Unlike granite, which can be permanently stained by cooking oils and grease, or etched by the acids in common household products, quartz is resistant to these stain hazards.

"Quartz surfaces are growing in popularity because they have the appearance of natural stone, but unlike granite, these surfaces never need to be sealed," Hanna said. "Quartz is a non-porous material, which means it will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. This is why our HanStone surfaces are certified NSF 51 (with the National Sanitation Foundation)."

In fact, Consumer Reports Magazine rated quartz as the top performer among countertop materials such as granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel, laminate, marble, limestone and concrete when it came to resisting prime kitchen hazards such as stains, heat and scratches.